Ray Church

Falcarragh, Ireland

Ray Church is a medieval church and National Monument. St Fionnán founded this church in the 6th century. Ray stood next to the Ray River, an ancient boundary between the Cenél Luighdech and Cenél Duach. Four 7th-century abbots of Iona were of the Cenél Duach; Ray was almost certainly their home church.

Ray high cross is the largest early medieval stone cross in Ireland. Local lore claims it was made by Columba (521–597) on Muckish to bring to Tory Island, but local saint Fionnán recovered Columba's Gospel Book and he gave the cross to Ray. The cross actually dates to the late 8th century.

The church was destroyed by Oliver Cromwell's soldiers in the 17th century. During Sunday Mass, the entire congregation was slaughtered in the Massacre of Ray (Marfach Ráithe). The dead are buried in a mass grave called Resting Place of the Bones (Lag na gCnámh).

The cross was knocked down in a storm about 1750, and lay broken in the graveyard until it was repaired by the Office of Public Works in the 1970s.

The church is rectangular with wide round-arched windows.

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Marker
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Address

Falcarragh, Ireland
See all sites in Falcarragh

Details

Founded: 6th century AD
Category: Religious sites in Ireland

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Sophie Brookes (2 years ago)
Very quiet but beautiful. The history here is shocking and recommend reading its history before visiting.
Kevin McClintock (3 years ago)
Visited here years ago looking for Relatives graves. Very serene and peaceful place considering the history of the massacre that took place here.
danwoodcock (3 years ago)
Phenomenally beautiful and intriguing history. Cromwell troops slaughtered mass attendees. Thé criss dates to the 8th century.
Jimosborneart (6 years ago)
Far from the hustle and bustle of daily life... very peaceful
Margaret Rodgers (6 years ago)
Very historic n interesting .fascinating how old it n the grave stones are. Picturesque setting. The magnificent cross is awe inspiring n the whole site is well worth a visit.
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